Universal Cable Productions in association with Hypnotic are now in pre-production on an exciting new drama series pilot for USA Network, currently using the working title of “Untitled Falacci/Heuton Pilot”. Casting notices have gone out in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Miami for principal actor speaking roles. In addition, the local extras casting director in Miami is holding an open casting call for featured and general background performers of all ages. Although the open casting call is for people 18 years of age and older, minors can submit via email for consideration. Shooting will take place entirely in Miami, FL beginning January 14, 2013.

It’s a Laugh Productions and Disney Channel are in production on the third season of “Shake It Up!“. The first two seasons consisted of 47 episodes. The show’s casting director is auditioning actors for guest starring and recurring roles. Extras are being hired throughout the season. “Shake It Up!” is ranked as the number one series among Tweens 9-14 and Kids 2-11. The multi-camera sitcom follows the adventures of Cece Jones (Bella Thorne) and Rocky Blue (Zendaya) as they star as background dancers on a local show, Shake It Up Chicago. Cece and Rocky deal with their circumstances, by adapting and maintaining their social status at school.

The new drama series “Chicago Fire” has been picked up for season one by NBC, which made the announcement in May, 2012. The show follows the lives of the firefighters and paramedics working at the Chicago Fire Department – firehouse of Engine 55, Truck 81, Squad 3, Medic 61, and Battalion 25. The show’s starring, co-starring, and guest starring roles are being cast out of New York, with additional principal actor casting in Chicago where shooting will take place. All of the stand-ins and extras will be hired in the Chicago area. The show begins production in July, 2012.

Dark Toy Entertainment and ABC Family is producing a new one-hour scripted drama called “Bunheads”, and casting calls have gone out to Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and also Canada. The producers are seeking a variety of teen girls who have strong Ballet Experience. They prefer girls who are 18 and above who can play 14 – 17 years of age, or girls under 18 who are emancipated, but it is not absolutely required. They want girls with a small-town attitude. Shooting begins mid-November in Los Angeles. The original title of this show was “Strut”.

There is a disturbing trend in films asking extras to work for free.AB Media Publishing, LLC

A casting call was issued for extras in the Santa Cruz area to work on the film “Mavericks”. However, the production is not paying the extras. They are only offering “drawings for prizes”. I do not post unpaid casting notices, and I think it should be illegal in all states to do this. I see this more and more often in different states, and I see it as being an extremely unsettling trend.